Jewry Duty

I wear the kippah for 15 minutes and I'm already bad for the Jews.

I still get excited when the mail comes. Maybe it's my nostalgia for a time when letters and birthday cards were actually delivered by the postman. Nowadays my mailbox is home only to bills, solicitations for home refinancing, Chinese restaurant menus and... a jury duty notice!

The letter said I was to appear at a downtown Los Angeles courthouse to serve on a jury the week of July 20th. My first thought was that I had to get out of it. I have nothing against performing my civic duty -- I've never missed voting and I pay my taxes scrupulously, I've never even lied and said my coffee was "to go" to avoid paying sales tax -- but the thought of spending days or even weeks in a stifling courthouse in downtown LA was too much for me to bear. The question was, how?

I had a job so I couldn't plead financial hardship, and I had already postponed twice. Maybe I could make myself an undesirable juror. Some friends at work recommended I issue a racist or sexist or anti-police rant, although that seemed to be unsavory. Especially in a room full of people I would be offending.

Then I had a "radical" idea: what if I wore my yarmulke? After all, the attorneys are looking for people who can be easily manipulated, and with a legacy of thousands of years of arguing, a religious Jew is going to be no pushover. Plus, I'd probably be pegged as some sort of fanatic which would disqualify me right away.

It was the perfect plan. Except for one thing: I don't wear a yarmulke.

Actually, that's not true; I wear a yarmulke when I go to shul or to Jewish events like weddings and bar mitzvahs. But as soon as I'm in public, or at work, I quickly cover my head with a baseball cap or some other type of hat. We call it "undercover Orthodox." Not that I'm embarrassed to be an observant Jew, God forbid; it's just easier for me not to be too public about it.

The idea of wearing a kippah to get out of jury duty went sour pretty quickly. I wasn't really ready to make the commitment so I threw on a baseball cap and headed to court.

As I got on the elevator to go up to the courtroom, a guy exited wearing a black velvet kippah, tzitzis dangling freely, with a gemara in his hands. "Man, this guy must really want to get out of jury duty," I thought to myself.

I walked into the courtroom, awash in the awful feeling that God was about to play a practical joke on me.

I got off at the 11th floor, headed into the courtroom, and as I was about to step in, the bailiff stopped me. "No hats."

"I know, but..."

This guy had a gun and a stern voice: "No hats in the courtroom. Take off your hat."

I wasn't going to be arrested for contempt of court, especially since I'd have to go hatless for my own trial anyway. So I took off my hat, revealing the kippah I was still wearing from praying an hour earlier. I walked into the courtroom, awash in the awful feeling that God was about to play a practical joke on me.

As I was called for questioning, my mind raced for ways to get out of this. No way was I going to issue an off-color rant wearing a kippah. I'd have to rely on the prejudice of the court to disqualify me. As luck -- or Divine providence -- would have it, I was picked for the jury. For the next week I would be Alternate Juror Number Two, or as everyone else would surely see me, "The guy with the yarmulke." I felt nauseous.

The judge announced that we would be taking a 15 minute break before starting, and we jurors filed out. I tossed my baseball cap on the second I crossed the threshold out of the courtroom. I was very uncomfortable and decided my best course was to remain as low-profile as possible. I then noticed the Defense Attorney and asked her if she knew what time lunch was going to be. She curtly told me that she was not allowed to have any contact with any of the jurors and that I please not ask her any more questions. Okay, starting now I would remain low profile. A moment later, we were called back in to the jury room.

"Hats off, please." Darn, I thought the bailiff wouldn't remember.

I marched my kippah-wearing head into the jury box and sat as unobtrusively as possible. The judge asked for opening statements. The Defense Attorney leapt up: "Your honor before I begin I want to disclose that Alternate Juror Number Two approached me and asked me what time lunch was."

Ugh! I couldn't believe it. Everyone in the courtroom looked at me and I knew what they were thinking: "The Orthodox Jews always think about food." And I'm sure they were waiting for the follow-up from the Prosecutor: "He also asked me when he'd be getting his $15 per diem." This is exactly why I didn't want to wear a yarmulke; I wear it for 15 minutes and I'm already bad for the Jews.

When we finally did break for lunch, I grabbed my hat, put my head down and didn't speak or make eye contact with anyone remotely associated with the court or who wore any type of badge or robe. About a block away from the courthouse, Alternate Juror Number One ran up to me.

"I'm not allowed to talk about the case," I quickly told him.

"I know. I just wanted to say that when you took off your hat I was surprised to see a yarmulke."

"Are you Jewish?" I asked.

"No. Catholic. But I liked seeing that you wore a yarmulke. It meant that there'd be someone smart on the jury."

"So you didn't think it was stupid to ask the Defense Attorney what time lunch was?"

"No," he replied, "that was very stupid. But in general, I've found that the religious Jews I know tended to be smart."

Not what I expected to hear.

The next few days, forced to wear my yarmulke, I tried to live up to the standard that it represented. I took notes diligently during the trial and watched everything I said. In fact, I got so used to wearing my kippah that I didn't even put my baseball hat on when I left the courtroom to grab a snack or use the restroom.

The trial ended Friday morning, and despite all my apprehension, I knew I was going to miss the experience. Before we left the courtroom, the judge told us that we were free to discuss the trial now. On my way out, I noticed the Defense Attorney gathering her papers. Now that I could speak to her, I approached her: "I don't know if you remember this, but on the first day I asked when lunch was. I'm really sorry about that."

She told me she felt awful about it and apologized for singling me out. She was new at this and was a little nervous. She then asked my opinion about how she could have presented her case better and I was eager to offer her advice.

I'm not quite ready for the challenge of living up to wearing my yarmulke in public, but I hope someday I will be.

After catering to my unfulfilled fantasy of being a trial lawyer, I checked my watch and told her I had to get home. She thanked me for my input and as I turned to walk away she said, "Shabbat Shalom" in a way that made me know she was Jewish.

I smiled. "Shabbat Shalom," I replied, and left.

I got more out of this week than I could have imagined. I realized that many of the prejudices that I thought people had about religious Jews were my own prejudices, or at least insecurities. I'd like to say that I wore my kippah out the door and haven't taken it off since, but the truth is, I tossed on my baseball hat just as I was leaving. I'm not quite ready for the challenge of living up to wearing my yarmulke in public, but I hope someday I will be.

In the meantime, I'll do my best to act like I'm wearing a kippah and I'll always cherish my week of Jewry Duty.

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About the Author

Jeff Astrof is a television writer who lives in Hollywood with his wife and two children. He has written for many shows including "Friends", "Veronica's Closet" and "Grounded for Life". He is currently Co-Executive Producer of "The New Adventures of Old Christine" on CBS.

Thank you for your great article. I am the only employee with a kippah, and even tzitzis, in a busy office of over 80 people. I find that it gives me an extra push to do my job as best as I can. I know that my reputation does not only affect me, but my people and my G-D. Nobody minds. In fact, I believe they respect me for it (although I do encounter curiosity about my 'white strings'! ), as well as my firm but polite refusal to enjoy any of the non kosher products that we manufacture. Always be proud of your identity and live up to what you stand for. People will respect you more for it!

(32)
jamin e,
October 17, 2013 10:28 PM

Kudos

What a great article. Your story is my life - I love it and like the way the article ended ('normally' - a realistic and not necessarily a more-frum ending). Much thanks and Yasher Ko'ach

(31)
Mary,
October 17, 2013 9:51 PM

Jury duty

Often things are not nearly as bad as we envision them to be. I served on a jury for a circuit court in Michigan. While it requied a lot of time, we were on duty for 90 days and could be called at any time during that time, I felt good about serving my civic responsibility.

(30)
Les Brown,
October 17, 2013 9:45 PM

You get used to it

I've been called for Jury Duty twice in my life and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience both times.I thought too that if the defence lawyer sees me wearing a kippah, I'll be challenged and rejected by the defendant (they could do that up to six times in the Australian state I lived in) but I wasn't! Teachers and nurses seem to be automatically rejected, but not Orthodox Jews in IT.So on my last Jury Duty, the court sat for nearly 4 weeks. I was the only Jew, and I was treated by the eleven other jurors from all different backgrounds, with respect and courtesy, as I hope I treated them. It was fascinating to me how we all behaved in pretty much the same way with the same concern and desire to make sure the accused were given a fair trial and due consideration of the evidence to the best of our ability. We didn't agree on all matters, but we all did our best.One thing though. I did not want to become the Jury Foreman. I would have hated to be the one to have given a guilty verdict to the court on the Jury's decision.

(29)
Sandra Leora Ireland,
October 17, 2013 4:03 PM

be happy to be in the US---at least for now

if you lived in QUEBEC, (Canada)you would not be allowed to wear your yarmulkeOor any kind of religious veil, head covering, symbols of religious believes in any kind of public duty such as jury duty, at your place of work, etc. If you are curious, read about Quebec's proposed charter of values.. you will be surprised and perhaps have an interesting point of view.

(28)
Magda,
October 17, 2013 3:39 PM

Very well written story

I am not a Jew but have been trying to understand Judaism for the last 12 years or so. I always enjoy such a story. Thank you very much for sharing.

(27)
Raphael,
October 17, 2013 3:16 PM

A different approach to jury duty

Every year or two, I get called up to jury duty. Last time, I apologetically told my boss, a non-Jew, that I would miss at least a day. He lectured me very strongly on the importance of fulfilling one's civic duty. It turns it that many years ago, some Atlanta thugs murdered his brother. They were caught and convicted, and every time they coke up for parole, his family shows up and convinces the parole board to keep them in the slammer.
I took his words to heart and now look at it as an opportunity to make a Kiddush Hashem. Defense attorneys, however, take one look at my black hat.and suit, think "Biblical justice," and send me back to the jury pool. Like clockwork.

(26)
Mikhael,
October 17, 2013 2:00 PM

A Wonderful Article

This is a wonderful article, both humorous and heartwarming. I am a gentile with the desire for many years to convert. But even though I have not converted, I have a love for Torah and Hashems commandments, and strive everyday to be faithful. Not covering my head, especially with a kippah and the identity it provides, has always been a sticking point for me as I feel I should but dont want to give the wrong impressions.

(25)
Liz,
June 23, 2010 6:01 PM

great story!

This article made me smile. It was really well-written, funny and contained something that made me think. Especially where it said how a lot people are not prejudiced even though I might they are. Sometimes it's hard to remember with all that anti-semitism on the streets and in the media. But it's very important.

Jeannie Brewrr,
October 17, 2013 5:07 PM

Good witness

My grandmother taught us to love Jews because they love same G-d we do. I am so pleased at your story

(24)
Anonymous,
September 6, 2009 4:49 PM

it's been a long hard exile

after reading the article and comments from the remnent of the Jewish people that are here it seems to me that many have made different adaptations to the challenging life in exile. If not sooner may the new year bring us the redemption complete with a homeland ,temple and sanhedrin

(23)
Ron,
September 5, 2009 6:36 AM

i want to but

I would love to wear it all the time. but the responsibilityfeels too heavy. especially driving in traffic where people would easily think badly of the jewish people.

(22)
Rivkah,
September 3, 2009 4:50 PM

So funny! I loved the story

This was really well put. Funny sense of humour for such an otherwise embarrassing situation. Thanks for making me laugh out loud on my lunch.

(21)
Wayne,
September 3, 2009 2:04 AM

is #13 racist?

Anonymous (for good reason) wrote, "I wont decide against one of my own people or a black person
Back in my home town I was eliminated because I said I would not decide against my own Jewish people and that bI would try to favot a black since they get a bad deal most of the time. I was never called to report. "
How would Anonymous like it if he were the defendant and a person of another faith (or of no faith) said, "I never favor Jews; they get too many breaks already!

(20)
,
September 2, 2009 2:01 AM

thanks for the email great story

(19)
Marc,
September 1, 2009 11:05 PM

This article made me laugh and cry. I don't know why I cried at the end but I guess it has to do with all my Jewish angst inside my heart that comes out once in a while when reading these stories.
I remember being at a relatives Bat Mitzvah and as soon as we exited the shul my father reminded me I was still wearing my yarmulke and to take it off. I was angry and confused, why is he so ashamed and no wonder I have struggled with it my entire life as well.
Anyway I enjoyed the article and always appreciate reading about other jews who struggle with similar issues.

(18)
Feigele,
September 1, 2009 10:42 PM

Los Angeles! Isn’t there a very large Jewish population there!

So what made you think that wearing a kippa would automatically discharge you of duty being jury or other duties? Maybe decades ago but not today.
Better find a better excuse next time! Mine was that I recognized the defendant as being a client of the accountant firm where I worked few years ago. That was radical. They must have thought that either I was maybe deranged or maybe a very good story maker. But the truth was that I was very sincere and did not make it up. I did recognize the person and his name. Could I be mistaken, who knows.
The reason the muslim women wear their burqa with no fear is just because they know too well how Jewish people are and that they would not attack or kill them, especially women, as oppose to how we Jews feel about the world who would not hesitate to destroy us if allowed to do so.
As for wearing a kippa or other Jewish signs, we have to learn to be modest and to not excite the people to give them reasons to attack us. In my whole life, even as a child, I never denied or hid from being Jewish and I am very proud to be what I am, but I do not advertise for it either. Like we should not judge a person by his color but by who he is, I feel the same way about myself. There will always be someone to remind you and at that moment you can be proud of who you are, Jewish or not Jewish.

(17)
Ana,
September 1, 2009 4:03 PM

ha - I went to "Jewry Duty" with my three children

Off course they knew I was trying to walk out of Jury Duty so they put on the face of indiference and asked me to sit down. When I was interviewed they asked me to produce proof I was their mother. I proudly told them that it was my joy to serve as long as my kids were able to stay with me ... needless to say, they did not call again. : )

(16)
Anonymous,
September 1, 2009 3:50 PM

It's More Than About a Head Covering and Civic Duty

Thank you for this article. Most of the Jews I know would have behaved is the same way as you did for jury duty. Many people here in USA have a negative thing about being called on for civil duty. I don't know why people feel that way. My opinions below aren't unique to you on the reaction to being called for duty, or how you project to the public that you are a Jew. You thought negatively about the man in the elevator with a tzitzis and gemara.
~~~~ If you wear a Cowboy hat, you could be associated with something about livestock. With a ballcap you're about a sports fan or a redneck. A flat black hat could be Amish or Jewish. A scarf covering you could be Jewish or Muslim or my Baptist Grandmother. With a yarmulke you are a Jew. But whatever group we associate with, aren't we expected to behave politely and be a good person no matter what hat we wear? """"""""""""""""""""' When the bailiff said to the author, No Hats and the author said " I Know, But ' the author was already wanting special consideration. Talking to the attorney in the trial and could have made her look compromised. Then after a break he wanted to wear his ball hat into the courtroom AGAIN. He already stated what his feelings were about being there, "I don't want to be here and am trying to get out of this. I have already postponed twice, and now I might wear my yarmulke so you will see that I am a Jew and you will have have prejudice against me. Maybe I can get out of duty that way, because my time is important . """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Men should be honorable and act with dignity even if they are bareheaded. The author was wearing the yarmulke so it could do something for him. Shouldn't the yarmulke be worn with dignity to bring honor to Judiasm. The author states that he is not ready to wear the yarmulke in public just yet. I agree.

(15)
Dave,
September 1, 2009 3:37 PM

Today I hope to be my first of many consecutive days

I wear a kippah on shabbat and I am going to try my best to start wearing one during the week. I want to and I more concerned about comments from fellow jews than from the non Jewish world. Why is that?

(14)
elisheva,
September 1, 2009 11:02 AM

kipp -aaaaa

i know a lot of people who wear at religious points and avoid going out on regular days with kippaa , the reason they say is we dont want to be targets, as people want to kill a jew, just like that.
Shame what a shame, we are hiding, a muslim women comes with her burqa, even after 9/11 in the usa.
they say we have faith . shame that we do not have much faith like them.

(13)
Anonymous,
August 31, 2009 7:12 PM

Interesting comments to showing our Jewishness in public

How come I never hear Muslims being ashamed to wear their religious gear in public, much so after 9/11? Actually they are proud, more in "your face" than ever. Are we less proud of whom we are? Are we guilty of any genocides? As far as I know there are some Jewish tieves, but do they represent us? What a pathetic view of ourselves when we are afraid of showing with pride whom we are. No wonder Jews leave Judaism, who would want to identify with people who are ashamed of whom they are?

(12)
Anonymous,
August 31, 2009 5:01 PM

I wont decide against one of my own people or a black person

Back in my home town I was eliminated because I said I would not decide against my own Jewish people and that bI would try to favot a black since they get a bad deal most of the time. I was never called to report.

(11)
Anonymous,
August 31, 2009 10:50 AM

A Kippah... Reminds Me Who I Am

I live in Israel and recently left the country. I was in Europe and decided not to wear my Kippah. I even decided not to wear a hat occasionally. I felt relieved of such a burden. And then I came home and put my kippah back on. I noticed immediately when I tried to speak that wearing a kippah made me think before a single sound came out of my mouth. It seemed I had already developed some bad habits on my trip... without my kippah.

(10)
Anonymous,
August 31, 2009 3:13 AM

if act as a mench a kippa is great otherwise keep the cap on

it is a big responsibility to carry God's name publicly. It's the reason Jews are on earth.If one behaves accordingly being an identifiable religious Jew seems the way to go. If one's choices include eating at non kosher paces,driving on sabbath,less than honest business practices,and/or behaving in a less than menchadik mannner and thereby cauisng a desecration of God's name then keep the kippa covered

(9)
Anonymous,
August 31, 2009 2:47 AM

Fantastic

Your article was the perfect blend of humor with a specific message of observance and tolerance.
Kippahs (briefly) off to you!!

(8)
ruth housman,
August 30, 2009 11:23 PM

the pliability of language

I loved this story. I also loved the fact that one could make this language pun. It's great. I look at language and how we use this clay, and I say, how come we can constantly do this to tell our great stories? It's a question I have been asking because it's miraculous in and of itself.

(7)
Anonymous,
August 30, 2009 4:48 PM

Only in Israel

Recently my son returned from a trip to Israel and said to my wife, mom I bought this magen david with this chain, but I could wear it only in Israel, not here

(6)
benjikid,
August 30, 2009 4:17 PM

What a burden when God chose us Jews.

We have to be smart, decent, law abiding, charitable, loving parents, examples of good to the whole world. WOW! And along comes Bernie Madoff. Maybe we would have been better off if Abraham just stuck to making idols for his dad. Cute article Jeff A. but wearing a yarmulke is just an announcement..."Jewish Guy here."

(5)
Ayelet,
August 30, 2009 3:04 PM

Drivers take note!

An area where people forget to use their manners and "menchlichkeit" is in the driving and parking arena. Remember that other drivers can see your uniform and identify who you are.
I live "out-of-town" and when I walk in the supermarket with my obviously Orthodox children, I remind them and myself that we have a special responsibility to make a kiddush Hashem. It's an awesome responsibility!

(4)
Jewish Mama,
August 30, 2009 2:50 PM

try this

How about you walk around town, just for an hour, in your t'filin? That should be mortifying, right? Then wearing a kippah will feel normal? ;-P
PS You've been away from Israel for too long, come home for a visit!

(3)
Anonymous,
August 30, 2009 2:20 PM

hat's off to Jeff for a great coverup revealed

You would think a coat (actually a hat) of armour like a kipah would give us great courage and determination to demonstrate our firm foundations and convictions.
True in some geographic areas, we think it becomes a bullseye, but in most others, it should serve as simple,
not overly colorful and non-endorsing, sign of respect to our real Boss and Judge and Jury.

(2)
Eli,
August 30, 2009 2:08 PM

Keep wearing it...

Keep wearing the kippah, and wear it proudly. If I can wear mine every day here in a rural county where there are less than a dozen Jews, you shouldn't have any problem in a city with hundreds of thousands of us.

(1)
Anonymous,
August 30, 2009 2:01 PM

A GOOD REMINDER...

I am so very glad this article was written.
The whole world is aware of the higher standards of the Torah, even if they don't know the Torah particulars.
When you wear the yarmulke- you let others know, you are THAT standard bearer.
The WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING........

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...